Expert Reviews
Extremely perfumed with roses, dark berries, ash, asphalt, and sliced plums. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a juicy, savory finish. Orange and lemon peel undertones. Gorgeous finish. Hard not to drink now. A beautiful wine. Drink or hold. But why wait?
2001 was an excellent vintage for Nebbiolo in Piedmont, and Gaja's benchmark Barbaresco is showing beautifully today with two decades under its belt. There was more new oak used then compared to more recent vintages, and this 2001 also precedes a change in pruning methodology in 2004 which is still used today, leaving two shoots at the top of the plant and alternating between using one one year, and the other the next year. Dark, silky fresh fruits and fine, woody grip combine with quite a youthful colour to suggest this has years left in the tank yet. Notes of tobacco, cedar and wood polish are followed in the mouth by sweet forest fruits and vibrant acidity. The finish is slightly drying and woody, but it's filled out with those sweet fruits.
The 2001 Barbaresco is gorgeous. Sweet balsamic notes open on the bouquet, followed intense, silky layers of fruit. The 2001 is subtle, classy and elegant from start to finish. Hints of early maturity appear in the aromatics, but the wine has more than enough fruit to support at least another decade of fine drinking. Tobacco, sweet herbs and licorice add the final notes of complexity. (AG)
The 2001 Barbaresco is gorgeous. Sweet balsamic notes open on the bouquet, followed intense, silky layers of fruit. The 2001 is subtle, classy and elegant from start to finish. Hints of early maturity appear in the aromatics, but the wine has more than enough fruit to support at least another decade of fine drinking. Tobacco, sweet herbs and licorice add the final notes of complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. Angelo Gaja isn’t the talkative type too often these days. Most of the time I am greeted, left alone in a room to taste, and then greeted again before I leave. On this day, though, Gaja started talking about vintages, and in particular the misconception that wines from hot years don’t age. Gaja cited 1961, a warm year in Piedmont, and one of the most legendary at the time. The wines aged just fine, added Gaja. What struck me most, though, was how clear Gaja’s recollection was of events that transpired fifty years ago. I know only one other person in Piedmont who has a similarly sharp memory that goes that far back. What does that have to do with these 2001s? Not much, except that it seemed like an interesting anecdote to share. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604 8900
Gorgeous aromas of blackberries and ripe strawberries follow through to a full-bodied palate with fine tannins and a clean, fresh finish. Very round and ripe tannins. Lovely wine. *Collectible* (JS)